Managing Risk - Identifying Issues in
the Workplace April 10-12, 2012
Walt Disney World Swan Resort
Accepted Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the signs and symptoms of drug
addiction.
2. Describe the proper procedure for employers to take when they suspect substance abuse in their employees.
3. Explain the potential liabilities faced by employers who do not address substance abuse issues within the workplace.
Drug Classifications
• Depressants
• Stimulants
• Hallucinogens
• PCP/Ketamine
• Narcotics/Analgesics
• Inhalants
• Cannabis
Marijuana
Marijuana
• Can be chemically addictive. • THC concentrations in marijuana average
close to 10 percent, compared to around 4 percent in the 1980s.
• Several studies associate workers' marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers' compensation claims, and job turnover.
*Source – National Institute on Drug Abuse
Marijuana – Signs & Symptoms
• Euphoria • Relaxed Inhibitions • Increased
Appetite • Poor Coordination • Plant Residue • Odor of Substance • Marked
Reddening of the Eyes
• Addiction
K2/Spice
Adverse Side Effects: • Nausea, Vomiting • Increased Agitation • Elevated Blood Pressure • Increased Heart Rate • Seizure • Loss of Consciousness
Bath Salts
Adverse Side Effects: • Extreme Hallucinations • Suicidal Thoughts • Paranoia • Increased Heart Rate • Addiction
Prescription Drugs • In 2010, approximately
16 million Americans reported using a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons in the past year; 7 million in the past month.
• 2nd most commonly abused drug… (Marijuana #1)
*Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Depressants
Barbituates • Amobarbital
• Amytal
• Phenobarbital
Barbs, Phennies, Reds, Yellow Jackets
Slang Terms
Flunitrazepam • Xanax
• Ativan
• Valium
Slang Terms Benz, Candy, Downers, Footballs
Benzodiazepines
• Rohypnol
Slang Terms
Roofies, Forget-Me-Pill, Roach
Depressants – Signs & Symptoms
• Diminished Coordination
• Drowsiness • Disorientation • Slower Reflexes • Drunken Behavior • Slurred Speech • Addiction
Stimulants
Amphetamines
• Benzedrine
• Dexedrine
• Adderall
Bennies, Speed, Addies, Dexies
Slang Terms
Methylphenidate
• Desoxyn
Slang Terms Crank, Crystal, Meth, Speed, Chalk
Methamphetamine • Ritalin
Slang Terms Kiddie Cocaine, Vitamin R, R-Ball
Stimulants – Signs & Symptoms
• Enlarged Pupils • Increased Alertness • Excitability • Euphoria • Increased Heart Rate • Loss of Appetite • Addiction
The Eyes Don’t Lie
Narcotic Analgesics – Heroin, Pain Pills
Meth, Cocaine, Ritalin, Diet Pills, Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens
Lersergic Acid Diethylamide
• LSD
Acid, Blotter, Bloomers, Cubes
Slang Terms
Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine
• PCP
• Sernlylan
Slang Terms Angel Dust, Hog, PCP
Phencyclidine
• MDMA
Slang Terms Ecstasy, X, XTC, Adam
Hallucinogens – Signs & Symptoms
• Illusions/Hallucinations • Poor Perception of
Time & Distance • Increased Heart Rate &
Blood Pressure • Violence • Impaired Hand-Eye
Coordination • Psychosis • Addiction
Narcotics/Analgesics
Oxycodone • Oxycontin
• Percocet
• Roxicodone
Oxy, O/C, Percs, Orange Crush
Slang Terms
Morphine • Vicodin
• Norco
• Lorcet
Slang Terms Vike, Hydro, Hykes
Hydrocodone • Duramorph
• Morphine
• Roxanol
Slang Terms M, Miss Emma, Monkey, White Stuff
Narcotics – Signs & Symptoms
• Constricted Pupils • Euphoria • Drowsiness • Respiratory
Depression • Nausea • Constipation • Addiction
The Eyes Don’t Lie
Narcotic Analgesics – Heroin, Pain Pills
Meth, Cocaine, Ritalin, Diet Pills, Hallucinogens
Inhalants
Volatile Solvents
• Adhesives
• Paint Thinner
• Deodorants
Sniffing, Glue Sniffing, Huffing
Slang Terms
Anesthetics • Butyl Nitrite
• Amyl Nitrite
Slang Terms Bolt, Poppers, Bullet, Snappers
Nitrites • Nitrous Oxide
• Chloroform
• Ether
Slang Terms Laughing Gas, Whippets
Inhalants – Signs & Symptoms
• Euphoria • Slurred Speech • Nausea • Fainting • Rapid Heartbeat • Lowered BP • Hallucinations • Addiction
Supervisors Responsibilities
• Maintain a safe, secure and productive environment for employees
• Evaluate and discuss performance with employees • Treat all employees fairly • Act in a manner that does not demean or label people
It is your responsibility to:
It is NOT your responsibility to: • Diagnose drug and alcohol problems • Have all the answers • Provide counseling and therapy • Be a police officer
Performance Problems vs. Crisis Situations
• Dangerous behavior • Threatening behavior • Obvious impairment • Possession of alcohol and other drugs • Illegal activity
Crisis situations can consist of:
Job Performance Signs & Symptoms
• Inconsistent work quality • Poor concentration • Lowered productivity • Increased absenteeism/disappearances • Carelessness/mistakes • Errors in judgment/risk taking
Intervention & Referral
• Document the performance problem • Use constructive confrontation • Refer for assistance • Follow up on progress towards meeting
performance goals
Document the Performance Problem
• The name of the employee • The date, time, and location of the incident • A short summary of the supervisor’s observations • Any involvement of witnesses • The action the supervisors take to intervene • Reasonable suspicion observations • The employee’s response
Constructive Confrontation
• Tell employee you are concerned about his/her job performance
• Refer to documentation of specific events • Ask for explanation • Avoid getting involved in discussions of personal
problems • State what must be done to correct the problem • Set time frame for performance improvements • Specify consequences if problems continue
Do’s and Don’ts for Supervisors DO emphasize that you only are concerned with work performance or conduct
DO have documentation of performance in front of you when you talk to the employee
DO remember that many problems get worse without assistance
DO emphasize that conversations with the EAP, if applicable, are confidential.
DO call the EAP, if applicable, to discuss how to make a referral
Do’s and Don’ts for Supervisors DON’T try to diagnose the problem
DON’T moralize…limit comments to job performance and conduct issues only
DON’T discuss alcohol and drug use…stick strictly to the topic of performance
DON’T be misled by sympathy-evoking tactics
DON’T make threats that you do not intend to carry out. If you threaten disciplinary action, you must follow through
Drug Users as Employees
• More likely to be involved in an accident • More likely to file a workers’ comp claim • More likely to utilize health care benefits • More likely to quit or get fired • More likely to steal from their workplace • More likely to miss work or show up late • More likely to be involved in a confrontation
*Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration / Department of Labor
Impact on Safety
Substance abusers are… • 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a
workplace accident • 5 times more likely to file a workers’
compensation claim • In fact, as many as 50% of all workers’
compensation claims involve substance abuse
*Source : HHS
Drug Users vs. Non-Drug Users
Behavior Users Non-Users More than 3 employers 12.3% 5.1% in past year
More than 2 work days missed 16.4% 11.0% in past month due to illness/injury
More than 1 day skipped 16.3% 8.2% in past month
*Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration / Department of Labor
Financial Burden
It is estimated that alcohol and other drug abuse costs the U.S. economy over $81 billion a
year.